Company News
Bond International to supply tyres to ClickMechanic network
Online car repair marketplace, ClickMechanic.com has added tyre replacements to its service offering, partnering with wholesaler Bond International. The website states that the new addition will enable both existing mechanics as well as new tyre specialists to register their services on the site. Bond will supply tyres to the site’s network at what ClickMechanic describes as “an extremely competitive trade price,” based on high volumes promised by the site.
Hella to present future lighting, electronics concepts at IAA 2019
Lighting an electronics specialist Hella will present solutions for the mobility of the future at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany's largest motor show, from September 10 to 15, 2019. The company will be located in the New Mobility World (Hall 5, Stand B06).
Alliance Automotive UK acquires ASMF
Alliance Automotive UK, the parent company of GroupAuto and UAN buying groups has acquired the seven-branch Autostores Motor Factors chain (ASMF). Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Originally known as Sureparts and Panels & Paints, ASMF was a member of the PDP Group and PDP chairman Alistair Whatmore was managing director.
‘Strong’ second quarter for Magna
Fast-growing OTR tyre company Magna Tyres Group has followed up a good first quarter with a “very strong” second, the company reports.
Ronal Group to look forwards and backwards at IAA Cars
The Ronal Group, a global leader in manufacturing light alloy wheels for automobiles and commercial vehicles, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The milestone will thus be a central theme at the company's stand at this year's IAA in Frankfurt am Main.
TECH visits Portuguese distributor, enhancing product lineup
TECH Europe’s channel sales manager, Jon Bartholomew and VP of sales and training, Walter van Loon, have visited distributor, Altaroda, SA. Based in Paredes, Portugal, Altaroda has been a key player in the tyre repair industry for more than 12 years, building its customer base through customer service and product development.
Falken backing 18 football clubs in 7 countries
During the 2019-2020 season Falken is on the books at 18 clubs in Germany, England, France, Italy, Poland, Spain and - for the first time - Belgium.
Football: Falken signs up as Borussia Mönchengladbach sponsor
Germany’s Borussia Mönchengladbach has a new premium partner and official tyre partner for the 2019-20 season. The football club, which finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season, is now working together with Falken.
Hella outperforms automotive sector in 2018/19
Automotive supplier Hella has ended the fiscal year 2018/2019 (1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019) with an increase in sales and earnings. Currency and portfolio-adjusted sales have risen by 5.0 per cent compared to the previous year. Reported sales decreased to 7.0 billion euros (previous year: 7.1 billion euros) as a result of divestment from the wholesale business and taking the effects of exchange rates into consideration.
Delticom reports stable profits for H1 2019
Delticom AG has managed to maintain its gross profit level in the first half of the year despite a slight decrease in sales compared with the prior-year period. Revenues amounted to 285 million euros in the six months to 30 June 2019, 2.1 per cent less year-on-year. Gross profit was 76.9 million euros, nearly unchanged compared to the previous year; stable profits and lower sales meant that the gross margin slightly grew to 21.9 per cent (H1 2018: 21.7%).
BKT: No USA plant for the “foreseeable future”
The likelihood of seeing BKT tyres ‘Made in the USA’ appears even more uncertain following an earnings call held by Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) on 13 August. Although the tyre maker reported three days earlier that the 20,000 tonne per annum factory project was just “in abeyance”, comments made during the call suggest the pause on work is more than temporary.
Fire destroys Kwik Fit centre in London
London Fire Brigade (LFB) reports that a “single storey warehouse was destroyed” during a blaze at a Kwik Fit outlet in London. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters from the East Ham, Ilford, Stratford, Plaistow, Leytonstone, Barking and Poplar fire stations were called out on Tuesday evening. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour before bringing it under control, their job made more difficult by gas cylinders that exploded due to the heat.
Chipex unveils concept cars from yesteryear
Concept cars are some of the most important debuts at auto shows because their shape or technology gives you a sneak peek into what you can expect from car companies in the future; but what happens to the beautiful creations when they don’t make it to the showroom? And what would it look like if our favourite cars from yesteryear were in production today?
Life-saving bell from Wales goes on Kwik-Fit’s ‘Tour de Branch’
A bell that has helped saved many lives in South Wales over the years is being taken on a national tour with the aim of saving many more in the future. The station bell from Cardiff Central Fire and Rescue Station has previously been used to alert firefighters to emergencies and has since been replaced by an electronic system. However, the hand-rung bell was retained for ceremonial purposes.
Kumho customers play the beautiful game, Spurs-style
One of the many highlights of Kumho Tyre’s partnership agreement with Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur is the annual five-a-side tournament the club lays on for Kumho’s UK customers. Kumho considers this a money-can't-buy experience that is “eagerly anticipated” by all concerned.